Securing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

When securing a watthour meter to a meter box base, a meter sealing ring is typically used. A quick-fastening watthour meter retaining member is provided, in certain embodiment of the present invention, to reduce installation time and generally comprises a circular band, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member. The connector housing member and a receiver housing member are preferably mounted to the terminus ends of the circular band. A portion of the connector housing member, comprising locking protrusions or “teeth”, is adapted to engage, with a ratchet-type action, in one example embodiment, and fasten into the receiver housing member, which contains, a pre-installed “padlock type” frangible sealing device in an example embodiment. Removal of the ring is accomplished by simply cutting, in one embodiment, and removing the frangible sealing device and allowing the housings to disengage from each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/789,092, filed Apr. 4, 2006.

The instant application claims priority to the above-referencedapplication and all written material, figures, and other disclosure inthe above-referenced application is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a locking apparatus, and morespecifically, it relates to a locking apparatus for securing at leastone structure or a portion of a utility service enclosure such as, forexample, a watthour meter socket ring to prevent the separation of twogenerally opposing members of the watthour meter socket box ring.

Electrical service providers generally deliver electricity to theircustomers via power lines buried underground or distributed along polesor towers overhead. The provider's power lines are usually distributedfrom a power generation station to numerous sets of customer lines, sothat customers can then use the power to satisfy their variouselectrical needs. To measure delivered power so that customers can bebilled in proportion to their usage, service providers typicallyterminate their power lines at a customer's home or business facilitythrough a metered socket box, various designs for which are well known.

A meter box is generally used by electric utility companies, however theinvention herein may be used with other utility service enclosures inthe gas, water, cable, TV utility industries or in other industries aswell.

An example of one previously known meter box consists of two sets ofelectrical posts, with a provider's transmission lines being connectedto one set of posts, and the customer's service lines to the other set.In order to measure the amount of electricity a customer uses, the meterbox is configured to accept a watt-hour meter or another electricityusage measurement device, which, when plugged into the socket box,permits transmission of electricity from the provider to the customerand allows the amount of transmitted electricity to be accuratelymeasured, so that the provider can charge the customer for power usageat an appropriate rate.

Various designs and uses for watthour meters are also well known, andall such designs and uses are incorporated by reference into theteachings of the present invention. The present invention is alsoapplicable in situations where the customer's service lines are routedfrom the meter box to a breaker box so that electricity can bedistributed to multiple service locations using additional sets ofelectrical lines or wires.

Presently, there are various types of meter socket boxes, eachdistinguished by the manner in which the meter is secured in place onceit has been plugged into an electrical socket disposed in the meter box.For example, a ringed-type meter box fitted with a flanged front coveris known, within which a watthour meter is disposed so that a headportion of the meter passes out through a flanged opening in the frontcover. In this configuration, the meter is generally held in place usingan annular, lockable sealing ring.

In order to hold the meter in place and prevent its removal from themeter box, both the meter and meter base incorporate a corresponding setof flanges that are retained together with an annular, lockable sealingring. The lockable sealing ring is designed to encase and captivate thecorresponding flanges of the meter and base simultaneously. There arevarious sealing rings on the market that depend upon the security levelthat is desired. A lower security ring that is currently on the marketutilizes an annular band, and two housing members that are installed oneach end of the ring. One of these housings, a screw receiving housing,contains a receiving threaded portion. The other housing contains arotatable screw member. The ring is secured onto the meter and socketflange by using a screwdriver to engage the screw in one housing intothe receiving threaded portion of the other housing. Once engaged, thescrew can be rotated clockwise, thus urging the housings toward eachother, reducing the diameter of the ring to the desired position. Oncethe ring is secured to the meter and base, a destructible “padlock type”frangible seal is passed through corresponding slots located in thescrew-receiving receiving housing and the screw; this prevents unwantedrotation of the rotatable screw member until the frangible portion ofthe “padlock-type seal” is cut and removed from the two correspondingslots in the screw-receiving housing and the screw. The screw can now bedisengaged from the screw receiving housing by turning it in acounter-clockwise direction.

A variation of this design also incorporates a screw-receiving housingand a screw member; however, a thumb portion is located on the end ofthe screw to allow the installer of the meter ring to install the ringby rotating the screw by hand instead of using a screwdriver. Oncefastened, a padlock-type frangible sealing device is passed through boththe screw member and the screw-receiving housing. The frangible sealingdevice is then locked to prevent unlawful disengagement of the twomembers. This design is an improvement, although it is still a multiplestep process to install and secure the ring onto the meter and socket.

In an attempt to overcome various shortcomings, there are various typesof locking devices. Some of these locking devices are, for example,destructible locks that can be installed on ring-type meter socketboxes. Several examples of types of patents which disclose attempts tosolve some of the above problems are set forth as follows.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,838 to Ely, et al., entitled “Locking Assembly,” isdirected to a locking assembly adapted for locking first and secondmembers together, the assembly including a housing member and a studmember, the housing member being adapted to receive the stud member andpermanently lock the stud member in the housing member, the assemblyincluding a frangible portion, such that a part of the assembly isadapted to be broken away from a remainder of the assembly to permitremoval of the assembly from the first and second members. Thisreference is incorporated by reference herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,074 to Mahaney, entitled “Destructible LockingDevice,” sets forth a locking device for interlocking two members havingaligned openings extending therethrough. The device includes a hollowcap and a pin with an enlarged head at one end and a nose at theopposite end. The pin is insertable through the aligned openings of themembers, with its nose received in interlocked engagement within thecap, and with the two members captured between the cap and the enlargedhead of the pin. A frangible portion of the pin is severable in responseto relative rotation between its nose and enlarged head to therebydestructively disassemble the locking device. This reference isincorporated by reference herein.

There remains a need for a securing apparatus and method for simplyholding together or quickly securing at least one structure or aplurality of structures, to lock a utility service enclosure, such asfor example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged endsor unflanged ends. There is a need for a simpler device that is easy touse and that can be secured quickly so as to reduce installation timeand effort required of the operator or installer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of an example embodiment the present invention is to secure acaptivating ring around the flanges of a watthour meter and watthourmeter socket by using a simple, quick fastening installation process.

To attain this, one example embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a circular band comprising two opposing flanges, a connectorhousing member, and a receiver housing member. The circular band ispreferably comprised of a circular shaped ring with opposing generallyparallel flanges. The connector housing member is generally comprised ofa means for attachment to the circular band, an engaging portion, andteeth disposed on the engaging portion. The receiver housing member isgenerally comprised of a means for attachment to the circular band, twoopposed generally parallel walls, a seal retaining aperture, and atooth-engaging biasing member. The two housings are attached to theterminus ends of the circular band. When used in conjunction with adestructible “padlock type” frangible sealing device, which has beenpreviously installed through the seal retaining aperture, the receiverhousing is adapted to accept the engaging portion disposed on theconnector housing member. When the two housings are urged together, thetooth engaging member disposed on the receiver housing will, through aratchet-type action, interlock with the teeth disposed on the engagingportion of the connector housing, thus enabling the two housings to locktogether and, consequently, secure the ends of the sealing bandtogether.

To remove the ring from the watthour meter and socket, the destructible“padlock type” frangible sealing device, in one example embodiment, iscut and removed from the receiver housing, allowing the connectorhousing to disengage from the receiver housing, and the ring to beremoved from the meter.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the various exampleembodiments and features of the invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof may be better understood, and in order that thepresent contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There areadditional features and variations of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter.

In this respect, before going into a detailed description, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and to the arrangements the components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarved out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

A further object of an example embodiment the present invention is toretain the ends of a watthour sealing band together.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a watthour meter sealing ring assembly that can be easilyinstalled onto the flanges of a watthour meter and socket.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a watthour meter sealing ring assembly that can be quicklyinstalled onto the flanges of a watthour meter and socket.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly that can be installed onto awatthour meter and socket without the need for special tools or keys.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly that has a destructible “padlocktype” frangible sealing device previously installed.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly that can be removed from thewatthour meter with a simple tool.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising one or more lockingteeth to lock or “snap” two housings together.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising a compressible memberto lock two housings together.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising one or more lockingteeth to lock or “snap” the ends of the sealing ring together.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising a housing that utilizesa biasing tooth-engaging member.

Another object of an example embodiment the present invention is toprovide a meter sealing ring assembly including a housing that utilizesprotrusions, or teeth that engage directly onto the frangible portion ofa destructible sealing device.

Other objects and advantages of embodiments the present invention willbecome obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

The content and disclosure of the following application is specificallyhereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/789,092, filed Apr. 4, 2006.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent from the drawings, thedescriptions given herein, and the appended claims. However, it will beunderstood that the above-listed objectives and/or advantages of theinvention are intended only as an aid in quickly understanding aspectsof the invention, are not intended to limit the invention in any way,and therefore do not form a comprehensive or restrictive list ofobjectives, and/or features, and/or advantages. Accordingly the presentinvention provides a locking apparatus for securing at least onestructure or a portion of utility service enclosure such as, forexample, a watthour meter socket ring to prevent the separation of twoopposing members of the watthour meter socket box ring, so as to addressthe needs as described above.

The general purpose of embodiments the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to secure at least onestructure or a plurality of structures, to lock a utility serviceenclosure, such as for example, a meter box locking ring having flangedor unflanged ends.

In other embodiments of the invention, a retaining member or ring may beincluded as an element for securing, for example, a utility serviceenclosure and a meter.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the various exampleembodiments and features of the invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof may be better understood, and in order that thepresent contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There areadditional features and variations of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter.

In this respect, before going into a detailed description, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and to the arrangements the components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarved out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the watthour meter securing ring installed into awatthour meter and socket.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the watthour meter securing ring.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment thepresent invention showing the watthour meter securing ring assembly.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, receiver housing member,and a destructible “padlock type” frangible sealing device.

FIG. 6 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, receiver housing member,and a destructible “padlock type” frangible sealing device. Theconnector housing member is disengaged from the receiver housing member.

FIG. 7 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, receiver housing member,and a destructible “padlock type” frangible sealing device. Theconnector housing member is engaged into the receiver housing member.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing an alternate embodiment of the receiver housingmember.

FIG. 10 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the receiver housing member shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.This drawing illustrated the movement of the flexural locking member.

FIG. 11 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, the receiver housingmember shown in FIG. 10, and a destructible “padlock type” frangiblesealing device. The connector housing member is disengaged from thereceiver housing member.

FIG. 12 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, the receiver housingmember shown in FIG. 11, and a destructible “padlock type” frangiblesealing device. The connector housing member is engaged into thereceiver housing member.

FIG. 13 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, an alternate embodimentof the receiver housing member, and a destructible “padlock type”frangible sealing device. The connector housing member is disengagedfrom the receiver housing member.

FIG. 14 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member, the receiver housingmember shown in FIG. 13, and a destructible “padlock type” frangiblesealing device. The connector housing member is engaged into thereceiver housing member.

FIG. 15 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing an alternate embodiment of the connector housingmember, an alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member, and adestructible “padlock type” frangible sealing device. The connectorhousing member is disengaged from the receiver housing member.

FIG. 16 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member and receiver housingmember shown in FIG. 15, and a destructible “padlock type” frangiblesealing device. The connector housing member is engaged into thereceiver housing member.

FIG. 17 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing an alternate embodiment of the connector housingmember, an alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member, and adestructible “padlock type” frangible sealing device. The connectorhousing member is disengaged from the receiver housing member.

FIG. 18 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the presentinvention showing the connector housing member and the receiver housingmember shown in FIG. 17, and a destructible “padlock type” frangiblesealing device. The connector housing member is engaged into thereceiver housing member.

While the present invention will be described in connection with exampleembodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theinvention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within thespirit of the invention and as defined in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, theattached figures illustrate an apparatus for securing a plurality ofstructures or a portion of a utility service enclosure. For example, inone embodiment, the apparatus is used for securing a watthour metersocket ring so as to prevent the separation of two opposing members ofthe watthour meter socket box ring. The apparatus may be used forcreating a tamper-evident seal by securably connecting a plurality ofstructures. The apparatus may also be used as a locking assembly with atleast one structure as will hereinafter be explained in further detail.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown, in one example embodiment, aquick fastening ring assembly 3 comprising a retaining band 13, areceiver housing member 4, a connector housing member 5, and a sealingdevice, such as a destructible “padlock-type” sealing device 7, shown inthe following embodiments, installed onto a watthour meter 2 andwatthour meter socket box 1.

The sealing device 7 as shown in the following embodiments, comprises afrangible portion 8 (or urging member) and a housing adapted to acceptthe frangible portion 8. This sealing device is not limited to theconstruction or the configuration that is shown in the followingembodiments; for example, materials other than those defined by a“frangible” may be used, such as plastic, or other material. The sealingdevice may also comprise a single ring, strap, a clip, etc., thatperforms a similar function.

Referring to FIG. 2, the retaining band 13, formed into a generallycircular configuration, comprises two generally parallel captivatingflanges 12, and one or more retaining apertures 46,47.

The connector housing member 5 and receiver housing member 6 is attachedto the terminus ends of the retaining band 13 using a rivet 6 or similardevice.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-7, the receiver housing 6comprises an engaging member 11, two generally parallel side flanges 20,a seal retaining aperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15, aretaining flange 14 and an installation bearing surface 17.

The engaging member 11 generally comprises a flexible biasing member, asecuring portion 23, and a locking end 22. The configuration of theengaging member 11 is not limited to this embodiment; any shape, ormaterial that performs a securing function, as defined in the followingembodiment, such as foam, rubber, plastic, metal, etc. may be used. Anyconfiguration that enables the engaging member 11 to be held in placethat performs a similar function as described herein can be also beused. The locking end 22 may be comprised of no multiple engagementsurfaces, one engagement surface, or multiple engagement surfaces orcontact points arranged in any geometrical configuration.

The connector housing member 5 comprises a housing retaining aperture15, a housing retaining flange 14, an installation bearing surface 16,and an engaging portion 21.

The engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member is not limitedto the configuration that is shown and described in the followingembodiments. Variations of the shape, locking means, or materials may beutilized. For example, the material may be rubber, plastic, orcompressible foam to perform a similar function as described. Theengaging portion may utilize no protrusions, one protrusion, or multipleprotrusions or “teeth” as shown in the following embodiments.

The securing portion 23 of the engaging member 11 is inserted andcompressed into the space defined by the inside wall portion 48 and thetwo opposing protrusions 24 of the receiver housing member 4. Theengaging member 11 may be rigidly, or loosely held in place by othermeans such as welding, gluing, encasing, etc. The receiver housingmember 4 is installed to the securing ring 13 by engaging the retainingflange 14 of the receiver housing member 4 into the retaining aperture46 disposed in the securing ring 13. Other means for retaining thereceiver housing 4 to the ring 13 may be used such as welding, gluing,pressing, swaging, etc. A rivet or other attaching device 6 is insertedand fastened though aperture 15 and 47 of the receiver housing member 4and the securing ring 13, respectively. Once the receiver housing member4 is installed onto the ring 13, engaging member 11 is completelycaptivated by the upper surface of the opposing protrusions 24 and thelower surface of the securing ring 13. The connector housing member 5 isinstalled into the ring in a similar fashion as described above for thereceiver housing 4.

In the unlocked position, the connector housing member 5 is separatedfrom the receiver housing member 4. The frangible portion 8 (or urgingmember) of the destructible “padlock-type” sealing device 7 ispre-installed through the seal retaining aperture 18 disposed in the twoside flanges on the receiver housing member 4 as shown in FIG. 6.

As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16 and 17 ofthe connector 5 and receiver 4 housings, respectively, the engagingportion 21 of the connector housing member 5 moves into the spacedefined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing member 4. Thelower bearing surface 19 of the engaging portion 21 bears on thefrangible portion 8 (or urging member) of the sealing device 7. Due tothe limited vertical space defined by the and the receiver housingengaging member 11, the teeth 9 of the connector housing engagingportion 21 displace and flex the receiver housing engaging member 11 atthe locking end 22. This tooth 9 and engaging end 22 interactionresembles a ratchet-type action as the engaging member 11 will continueto flex until the locking end 22 locks into the next tooth 9 of theconnector housing engaging member 21. In the event that multiple teeth,or locking positions are utilized as shown in the current embodiment,the operator may continue to urge the housings 5,4 together until thedesired installation position of the housings 5, 4 is reached as shownin FIG. 7.

Once the housings 4,5 are in the locked position, the engaging member 11is encased by the engaging portion 21 of the connector housing 5, theside flanges 20 of the receiver housing 4 and the bearing surface 17 ofthe receiver housing 4. An attempt to defeat or unlock the ring assembly3 at this time without destroying or fracturing one or more of thecomponents is extremely difficult.

In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the connectorhousing member 5 from the receiver housing member 4, the frangibleportion 8 (or urging member) of the sealing device 7 is cut betweenbearing surfaces 19 of the engaging portion 21 disposed on connectorhousing member 5, shown in FIG. 5. This can be performed, in someexample embodiments, with a standard hand held wire cutter. (Note thatother embodiments may only require the urging member be removed and notdestroyed, or cut.) Once cut, the cut ends of the frangible portion 8can be pulled in opposing directions and removed from the receiverhousing 4. Without support from the frangible portion 8, the installercan disengage the locking end 22 disposed on the engaging member 11 fromthe teeth 9 disposed on the connector housing engaging portion 21, andthe housings 4, 5 can be separated.

An alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member is shown in FIGS.8-12. In this embodiment, the receiver housing 33 comprises twogenerally parallel side flanges 20, a seal retaining aperture 18, ahousing retaining aperture 15, a retaining flange 14 an installationbearing surface 17, and a flexural engaging member 25.

The flexural engaging member 25 generally comprises a flexible biasingmember. The configuration of the engaging member 25 is not limited tothis embodiment; any shape, or material that performs a securingfunction, as defined in the following embodiment, such as foam, rubber,plastic, metal, etc. may be used. The locking end 22 may be comprised ofeither no engagement surfaces, one engagement surface, or multipleengagement surfaces (as shown in the following embodiment) or contactpoints arranged in any geometrical configuration.

In the following embodiment, the flexural engaging member 25 comprises abase portion 26, one of more locking teeth 27. The engaging member 25 isattached to the receiver housing member 33 only at the base portion 26.This allows the engaging member 25 to flex and return to the originalposition if the receiver housing 33 is constructed from the correctmaterial, typically plastic. A stop portion 28 may be disposed on theengaging member 25 to insure that over-rotation is not possible.

The connector housing 5 and the receiver housing 33 functions in asimilar manner as described in the previous embodiment.

As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16 and 17 ofthe connector 5 and receiver 33 housings, respectively, the engagingportion 21 of the connector housing member 5 moves into the spacedefined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing member 33. Thelower bearing surface 19 of the engaging portion 21 bears on thefrangible portion 8 of the sealing device 7. Due to the limited verticalspace defined by the frangible portion 8 and the upper portion of thereceiver housing 33, the teeth 9 of the connector housing engagingportion 21 displace and flex the receiver housing engaging member 25.This tooth 9 and engaging member 25 interaction resembles a ratchet-typeaction as the flexural engaging member 25 will continue to flex untilthe locking teeth 27 lock into the next tooth 9 of the connector housingengaging member 21. In the event that multiple teeth, or lockingpositions are utilized as shown in the current embodiment, the operatormay continue to urge the housings 5,33 together until the desiredinstallation position of the housings 5, 33 is reached as shown in FIG.12.

Once the housings 5, 33 are in the locked position, the flexuralengaging member 25 is encased by the engaging portion 21 of theconnector housing 5, the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing 33 andthe bearing surface 17 of the receiver housing 33. An attempt to defeator unlock the ring assembly at this time without destroying orfracturing one or more of the components is extremely difficult.

In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the connectorhousing member 5 from the receiver housing member 33, the frangibleportion 8 of the sealing device 7 is cut between bearing surfaces 19 ofthe engaging portion 21 disposed on connector housing member 5. This canbe performed with a standard hand held wire cutter. Once cut, the cutends of the frangible portion 8 (or urging member) can be pulled inopposing directions and removed from the receiver housing 33. Withoutsupport from the frangible portion 8, the installer can disengage theteeth 27 of the flexural engaging member 25 from the teeth 9 disposed onthe connector housing engaging portion 21, and the housings 33, 5 can beseparated.

Another alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member is shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. In this embodiment, the receiver housing 44 comprisestwo generally parallel side flanges 20, a seal retaining aperture 18, ahousing retaining aperture 15, a retaining flange 14 an installationbearing surface 17, a flexural engaging member 25, and a flexuralcompression member.

The flexural engaging member 25 generally comprises a flexible biasingmember. The configuration of the engaging member 25 is not limited tothis embodiment; any shape, or material that performs a securingfunction, as defined in the following embodiment, such as foam, rubber,plastic, metal, etc. may be used. The locking end 22 may be comprised ofeither no engagement surfaces, one engagement surface, or multipleengagement surfaces (as shown in the following embodiment) or contactpoints arranged in any geometrical configuration.

In the following embodiment, the flexural engaging member 25 comprises abase portion 26, one of more locking teeth 27. The engaging member 25 isattached to the receiver housing member 33 only at the base portion 26.This allows the engaging member 25 to flex and return to the originalposition if the receiver housing 44 is constructed from the correctmaterial, typically plastic. A stop portion 28 may be disposed on theengaging member 25 to insure that over-rotation is not possible.

The flexural compression member 43 is attached to the side walls 20 ofthe receiver housing 44 only at base portion 45. This allows the member43 to flex as shown in FIG. 13. The configuration of the flexuralcompression member 43 is not limited to this embodiment. Any shape,material, and location with respect to the receiver housing 44 may beused.

As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16 and 17 ofthe connector 5 and receiver 44 housing, respectively, the engagingportion 21 of the connector housing member 5 moves into the spacedefined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing member 44. Thelower bearing surface 19 of the engaging portion 21 bears on theflexural compression member 43 of the receiver housing member 44. Due tothe limited vertical space defined by the flexural compression member 43and the flexural engaging member 25 of the receiver housing 33, theteeth 9 of the connector housing engaging portion 21 displace and flexthe receiver housing engaging member 25. This tooth 9 and engagingmember 25 interaction resembles a ratchet-type action as the flexuralengaging member 25 will continue to flex until the locking teeth 27 lockinto the next 9 of the connector housing engaging member 21. In otherpotential embodiments not shown, the flexural compression member 25 willflex, while engaging member 25 remains rigid. In the event that multipleteeth, or locking positions are utilized as shown in the currentembodiment, the operator may continue to urge the housings 5,33 togetheruntil the desired installation position of the housings 5, 33 is reachedas shown in FIG. 14. Once this desired position is reached, thefrangible portion 8 (or urging member) of a padlock type frangible sealdevice previously described can be inserted into the seal retainingaperture 18 disposed on the receiver housing 44. This prevents theflexural compression member 43 from moving in a downward direction andreleasing the connector housing 5 from the receiver housing 44.

Once the housings 5, 44 are in the locked position, the flexuralengaging member 25 is encased by the engaging portion 21 of theconnector housing 5, the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing 44 andthe bearing surface 17 of the receiver housing 33. An attempt to defeator unlock the ring assembly at this time without destroying orfracturing one or more of the components is extremely difficult.

In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the connectorhousing member 5 from the receiver housing member 33, the frangibleportion 8, in one example embodiment, of the sealing device 7 is cut.This can be performed with a standard hand held wire cutter. Once cut,the cut ends of the frangible portion 8 can be pulled in opposingdirections and removed from the receiver housing 44. Without supportfrom the frangible portion 8, the installer can flex the compressionmember 43 in a downward direction. The teeth 27 of the flexural engagingmember 25 can now disengage from the teeth 9 disposed on the connectorhousing engaging portion 21, and the housings 44, 5 can be separated.

Another example embodiment of the connector and receiver housing memberis shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In this embodiment, the receiver housing 32comprises two generally parallel side flanges 20, a seal retainingaperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15, a retaining flange 14, aninstallation bearing surface 17, and one or more tooth engaging members30.

The connector housing member 31 comprises a housing retaining aperture15, a housing retaining flange 14, an installation bearing surface 16,an engaging portion 21 on which one or more protrusions or “teeth” 9 aredisposed, and a flexural compression member 29.

In the unlocked position, the connector housing member 31 is separatedfrom the receiver housing member 32. The frangible portion 8, in oneembodiment, of the destructible “padlock-type” sealing device 7 ispre-installed through the seal retaining aperture 18 disposed in the twoside flanges 20 on the receiver housing member 32 as shown in FIG. 15.

As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16 and 17 ofthe connector 31 and receiver 32 housing, respectively, the engagingportion 21 of the connector housing member 31 moves into the spacedefined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing member 32. Theflexural compression member 29 bears on the frangible portion 8 (orurging member) of the padlock-type sealing device 7 and due to thelimited vertical space defined by the frangible portion 8 (or urgingmember) and the tooth engaging members 30, the tooth engaging members 30move along and compress against the tooth surface 50 disposed on theteeth 9. This tooth 9 and engaging member 30 interaction resembles aratchet-type action as flexural compression member 29 will continue toflex until engaging member 21 lock into the next tooth 9 of theconnector housing engaging member 21. In other potential embodiments notshown, the upper portion of connector engaging member 21 will flex asthe flexural compression member 29 remains rigid. In the event thatmultiple teeth, or locking positions are utilized as shown in thecurrent embodiment, the operator may continue to urge the housings 31,32together until the desired installation position of the housings 31,32is reached as shown in FIG. 16.

In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the connectorhousing member 31 from the receiver housing member 32, the frangibleportion 8 of the sealing device 7 is cut. This can be performed with astandard hand held wire cutter. Once cut, the cut ends of the frangibleportion 8 can be pulled in opposing directions and removed from thereceiver housing 32. Without support from the frangible portion 8, theflexural compression member 29 will not bear on any surface. The teeth 9of the connector housing engaging member 21 can now disengage from thetooth engaging members 30 disposed on the receiver housing member 32,and the housings 31,32 can be separated.

Another alternate embodiment of the connector and receiver housingmember is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. In this embodiment, the receiverhousing 36 comprises two generally parallel side flanges 20, a sealretaining aperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15, a retainingflange 14, an installation bearing surface 17, and a connector engagingmember bearing surface 38.

The connector housing member 35 comprises, a housing retaining aperture15, a housing retaining flange 14, an installation bearing surface 16,and an engaging portion 21 on which protrusions or “teeth” 9 aredisposed.

In the unlocked position, the connector housing member 35 is separatedfrom the receiver housing member 36. The frangible portion 8 (or urgingmember) of the destructible “padlock-type” sealing device 7 ispre-installed through the seal retaining aperture 18 disposed in the twoside flanges 20 on the receiver housing member 36 as shown in FIG. 17.

As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16 and 17 ofthe connector 35 and receiver 36 housing, respectively, the engagingportion 21 of the connector housing member 35 moves into the spacedefined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing member 36.Because the vertical space defined by frangible portion 8 (or urgingmember) of sealing device 7 and bearing surface 38 disposed on receiverhousing member 36 is limiting, the lower portion of connector housingengaging member 21 bears on frangible portion 8 (or urging member) ofpadlock-type sealing device 7, and, concurrently, the upper bearingsurface 42 of connector housing 35 bears against surface 38 disposed onreceiver housing member 36. As the housings 35,36 are urged closertogether, the frangible portion 8 bears with increasing compressiveforce against the flexural portion 39 of the connector engaging member21 causing the flexural portion 39 to deflect into the void 40 until thetooth 37 disposed on the connector engaging portion 21 passes overfrangible portion 8. If the connector housing member 35 is constructedwith the proper material, such as a type of plastic, the flexuralportion 39 will return back toward its original position and trap thefrangible portion 8 into the tooth 37. In other embodiments not shown,either the upper portion of the connector engaging member 21, or theflexural portion 39 of the connector housing 35, will flex and theresulting action will resemble a ratcheting-type action. In the eventthat multiple teeth, or locking positions are utilized as shown in thecurrent embodiment, the installer may continue to urge the housings35,36 closer together until the desired installation position of thehousings 31,32 is reached as shown in FIG. 18.

In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the connectorhousing member 35 from the receiver housing member 36, the frangibleportion 8 of the sealing device 7 is cut. This can be performed with astandard hand held wire cutter. Once cut, the cut ends of the frangibleportion 8 can be pulled in opposing directions and removed from thereceiver housing 32. The teeth 37 of the connector housing engagingmember 21 can now disengage from the frangible portion 8 of thepadlock-type sealing device 7 and the housings 35, 36 can be separated.

In another example embodiment a quick-fastening watthour meter securingdevice is provided and includes a circular band comprising two opposingflanges, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member. Thetwo housings are attached to the terminus ends of the circular band. Theconnector housing member incorporates protrusions that resemble teeth orribs. When used in conjunction with a tamper-evident locking device, theprotrusions disposed on the connector housing are able to engage,resembling a ratchet-type action, with the receiver housing member,constraining the circular band to a desired diameter. When installedonto a watthour meter and socket that is designed to accept a standardmeter locking ring, the quick-engaging meter ring retains the meter tothe socket. When it is desired to remove the watthour meter ring fromits socket, simply cutting the tamper-evident locking device will allowthe connector housing member to disengage from the receiver housingmember, allowing the user to remove the circular band from the meter andsocket.

Various other example embodiments provide an securing apparatus that maybe adapted for use on a utility service enclosure. A connector andreceiver housing could be configured with mounting structure for varioustypes of rings, flanged with apertures or unflanged. Such an embodimentcould be use to quickly secure various structures. Additionally, autility service enclosure is used not only in the electric utilityindustry (e.g., a meter box) but also in the gas, water, cable, TVutility industries or in other utility industries.

In another embodiment an apparatus is provided for creating a seal. Asecuring apparatus is adapted to unite a plurality of structures. Asnoted, in one embodiment, the ring may not be included and the ends of,for example a meter ring having opposing apertures may be secured.However, the securing apparatus could also be configured to be used tosecure a plurality of plates having apertures, engageable protrusions,or other engageable structural configurations such that the plates couldbe held together with a securing apparatus of various configurations.

Turning again to another example embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates a quickfastening ring assembly 3 or a fastening device. Various structureswhich could be interchangeable with other embodiments could also bereferred to as, for example, a retaining member 13 (rather than aretaining band 13), a receiver housing 4 (rather than a receiver housingmember 4), an engaging member 11 preferably being biased, a connector 5or fastening member (rather than a connector housing member 5), asecuring member 7 (rather than a destructible “padlock-type” sealingdevice 7), an urging member 8 (rather than a frangible portion 8) withthese the fastening device adapted to be installed onto a watthour meter2 and watthour meter socket box 1. The receiver housing in oneembodiment comprises an engaging member. A biasing member, in oneembodiment is adapted for biasing the engaging member to engage theconnector to the receiver housing when being urged by the urging member8.

In another example embodiment a tamper-evident seal could be used withthe urging member to indicate if there has been tampering with the meterbox or meter.

In use, one example embodiment of a method is provided for indicatingtampering with a meter box 1. The method includes at least uniting aconnector 5 to a receiver housing 4 which preferably comprises anengaging member 11 preferably including biasing structure. The methodfurther includes urging contact of the connector 5 with the receiverhousing 4 or engaging member 11, in one example embodiment, by providingan urging member 8 selectively positioned so as to urge or cause theconnector to selectively make contact with the engaging member receiverhousing 4 when the connector 5 is being inserted into the receiverhousing 4; biasing the engaging member to engage the connector.

The method may also include, in some example embodiments, creating atamper-evident seal.

The method also includes, in one other example embodiment, mounting theconnector 5 and receiver housing 4 on a retaining member 13.

The design described does not limit the scope of the invention; thenumber of members, flanges or other structures may change, or variouscomponents may be added or removed to the above-described concept to aidin improved security and operation.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, that various changes in the design, organization,order of operation, means of operation, equipment structures andlocation, methodology, the use of mechanical equivalents, such asdifferent types of fasteners and locking devices than as illustratedwhereby different steps may be utilized, as well as in the details ofthe illustrated construction or combinations of features of the variouselements may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.As well, the drawings are intended to describe the concepts of theinvention so that the presently preferred embodiments of the inventionwill be plainly disclosed to one of skill in the art but are notintended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of finalproducts and may include simplified conceptual views as desired foreasier and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. Aswell, the relative size and arrangement of the components may be variedfrom that shown and the invention still operate well within the spiritof the invention as described hereinbefore and in the appended claims.Thus, various changes and alternatives may be used that are containedwithin the spirit of the invention.

Accordingly, as can be seen, the foregoing disclosure and description ofthe invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, that various changes in theordering of steps, ranges, interferences, spacings, hardware, and/orattributes and parameters, as well as in the details of theillustrations or combinations of features of the methods and systemdiscussed herein, may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

1. A method for indicating tampering with a meter box, the methodcomprising: uniting a connector housing member to a receiver housingmember comprising an engaging member; urging contact of the connectorhousing member with the engaging member; and biasing the engaging memberto engage the connector housing member.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of creating a tamper-evident seal.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the step of mounting the connectorhousing member and receiver housing member on a retaining member.